Disclaimer: I own only my muse who I have tried very hard to keep out of this story. Most of it belongs to J.K. Rowling.
By: Sarah, email me at musical2be at yahoo dot com
PG-13 for some crude humor General/Humor/Romance
A History of Marauders and Everything In Between
Chapter One: Potter Manor
James caught the Quafflethat his best friend, Sirius Black, threw to him. He turned and threw it back, grinning. They were outside, behind Potter Manor. James knew thathe would probably get into trouble for floo-ing Sirius over at five in the morning,but he didn't care. It was a beautiful summer day, and the eleven-year-old planned on enjoying it to the fullest. His hazel eyes were scanning the house, searching for signs of movement and the breakfast that would follow said movement.
James had to duck slightly to avoid the Quaffle, which was hurtling towards his head, and he fell off his broom. Since he had been hovering only five or so feet from the ground, he wasn't physically hurt. However,it would be a while for Sirius to let him live down his tumble from his broom.
Sirius landed next to him, barely managing to make it to the ground before he doubled up in laughter. "Having problems, Jamie?"
James, who didn't find it quite so funny, sat up, rubbing his right forearm. "Yeah. Your bad aim!" He stood up and flinched when a shout sounded in his ears.
"James Potter! What are you doing?! It's-" Sarah Potter checked her watch. "-seven thirty in the morning! Don't you know what it means when I saynot to play Quidditch so early in the morning? After breakfast I have some chores that you can do for breaking the rule again!"
Sirius snorted, and James muttered something that sounded very much like, "That what house elves are for," before scratching his forehead and putting on his very best puppy face. "But Mum! I was just getting exercise; you said I was too lazy."
Sarah made a face at her only son "I didn't mean so early in the morning." She turned to Sirius, who cowered only slightly under her stern gaze, "What are you doing here?"
Sirius turned on his award winning smile and ran up and gave her a hug. "I was helping James-ie get his exercise, Sary… Anyway, you said I was too lazy too"
James snorted, and Sirius glared at him.
"I was just heeding your advice," he added sweetly.
Sarah shook her head, trying to hide her amusement at theirdouble act. "Well, I think you should be going home now, Sirius. Your mother will be missing you." She led the boys inside and into the large living room. With a wave of her wand and a muttered Incendio, flames blazed in the hearth.
She offered Sirius a small flower pot filled with floopowder. He took a pinch, threw it into the fire, and then stepped into the green flames. With a wave and a quirky smile for the two Potters in front of him he said clearly, "Twelve Grimmauld Place," and disappeared in a swirl of flames.
James grinned at his mother "So when's breakfast? I need FOOD!" And heran away into the kitchen, only to be pushed out by the house elves and forced into the dining room. Sarah followed him at amore leisurelypace. She laughed as he was kicked out by the elves. Thishappened almost every day, but the kid didn't seem ready to learn that he was so easily overpowered.
Toast, cereal, milk, juice, bacon, and other breakfasting foods and drinks were brought out, along with the appropriate dishes. Mr. Potter finally emerged from one of the numerous hallways that were connected to the dining room.He walked into the room, pulling his jacket on and straitening his tie. He pecked his wife on the cheek and ruffled James' hair, and said,"Morning all."
Breakfast, as usual, was quiet. Andrew Potter read part of the Daily Prophet before putting it down with a look that he exchanged with only his wife. He yawned "I should be off to work in a few minutes," He took a drink from his coffee before saying, "You be good, Ja-" He was cut off by a large barn owl swooping in through an open window.
James, thinking it was another letter for his father from work, was surprised when the animal landed on the long table in front of him. He untied the letter attached to its leg with an unsure air. On the front was written:
James Potter
Potter Manor
Greater London
He turned it over, seeing a purple seal with a big H that had a lion, a badger, an eagle, and a snake surroundingit. Hogwarts? Yes, he remembered now.Hogwarts was the school that his parents had so badly wanted him to getaccepted into. Under the watchful eyes of his parents, James opened the envelope, and out fell two pieces of parchment. James opened the one that looked to have fewer words and started reading:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
Of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September first. We await your owl by no later than July thirty-first.
Yours sincerely,
Alicia Ainslie
Alicia Ainslie,
Deputy Headmistress
James blinked a few times before grinning widely. He stood up, and with a very happy look on his face, proclaimed, "I got in!" Both his parents smiled; his mother looking relieved and his father proud.
"Good job, son!" Andrew stood up, ruffling James' hair again before adding, "Sorry, but I have work. I'll see both of you later." He stepped took a pinch of floo powder and threw it into the fire that was still burning from that morning. With a smile for his family, Mr. Potter stepped into the fireplace and practically shouted, "Ministry of Magic."
James watched as his father left then handed the letter to his mum and looked at the other piece of paper. He started reading it over:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
Of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM:
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that allpupils'clothes should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a co-
James scanned over the book list and over the other parts of the list, not interested in what the list ofthings he needed. He paused at the end, frowning.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS.
He made a face; it would be no use begging his mother to ask the school for him to be able to have his broom. She would probably say something like, "You'll just injure yourself." James scowled at the paper but handed it to his mum none-the-less. "Shopping list."
Sarah looked at the paper for a moment before nodding and smiling. She knew that look on her son oh-so-well. "Wehad better go to Diagon Ally then. Come on, you've nothing else to be doing today."
Reluctantly, James followed Sarah into the living room and up to the fireplace. All that remained of the flames that she had ignited were smoldering embers. With an impatient wave of her wand a flaring fire was once again ignited in the fireplace. "You first, James."
He took a pinch of the powder and threw it into the flames, watching uninterestedly as orange and yellow turned a fierce green. Stepping in and not even noticing the ticklish feeling he got James said, bleakly, "Diagon Ally."
Sarah, fighting from pursing her lips, followed with a forced smile on her lips.She had almost been afraid that James wouldn't get his letter, but obviously, her misgivings had been misplaced.
A/Ns
Thanks a million to my amazing beta Aly and to anyone who will believe in me and review. I know this seems like a bleak begginning but it will pick up real soon! I promise! The first few chapters are important (even if they aren't the best and if they are a bit short)
Please review! Constructive critisim is very welcome.